10 Small Dogs with Big Personalities

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By Joy H. Montgomery, Animal Planet

When you think of small dogs, does an image of Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, stuffed in a Louis Vuitton bag come to mind? If the answer is yes, you aren’t alone. Many people think of small dogs as accessories, but get to know them and you’ll see they’re so much more than four-legged fashion statements. Although little in stature, most petite pooches are big on personality. In fact, there’s such a range in their interests and abilities that you could almost imagine them fitting in with some common high school cliques.

Which dog would be captain of the football team, and which would you most likely catch causing trouble? What breed is the biggest clown, and which could be head cheerleader? Check out our top 10 small canines with big personalities  from the spirited to the sweet  to find out who the biggest little dogs on campus really are.

Check out our top 10 small canines with big personalities as seen in our Dog Breed Selector  to find out who the biggest little dogs on campus really are.

The Italian greyhound is a small version of his cousin, the standard greyhound, and just as fast. Just over a foot tall, this miniature track star can run at top speeds, reaching up to 40 miles per hour, according to author Sam Stall. This lightning fast canine is sleek, athletic and loves to run more than anything.

Before you choose an Italian greyhound as a pet, consider the time commitment this runner requires. According to the Italian Greyhound Club of America, the breed is very playful well beyond his puppy years and requires a lot of attention and daily exercise. He is intelligent, but can be timid around strangers. His fine bone structure and energetic personality may not be a great combination for families with young children, but he does well in families with older children and even gets along with other small dogs or cats that might enjoy playing chase.